Crime Trackers: Simple traffic stop leads exposes multiple offenses

On June 11 a federal agent patrolling the area came across a man driving a stolen All Terrain Vehicle. He called the Pima County Sheriff's Department to assist in the investigation.

TUCSON- A simple traffic stop in the Picture Rocks area in early June, exploded into multiple charges.

On June 11 a federal agent patrolling the area came across a man driving a stolen All Terrain Vehicle. He called the Pima County Sheriff's Department to assist in the investigation.

When they arrived, they learned there was more than a stolen vehicle involved.

Sgt. Kevin Kubitskey, who heads the Arson/Auto Theft Unit, said the suspect, 22-year-old Christopher Smith Jr., had black tar heroin, and a large amount of meth for sale.

He was arrested and charged with the sale of narcotic drugs, auto theft, and possession of dangerous drugs.

Sgt. Kubitskey said the street value runs from $1,200 to $2,400.

“During the investigation, we learned that he had moved here from another state and he had prior dealings with this sort of things in the state he had left,” he added.

The stolen ATV's owner was thrilled to hear the detectives had his ATV at Gary's Towing.

The owner asked we conceal his identity, but said “I was excited as first because I said, oh yeah I'm going to get my quad back.”

Then he saw it and was shocked. “It looks bad, it looks like they've had it for years, it doesn't even look the same.”

He said it was painted, the seat and exhaust system was changed.

It was "swapped out," meaning parts from other quads were placed on his $3,000 dollar ATV.

Also upsetting, he had to pay $331.00 to get his vehicle from his mechanic's business in Marana. “ I didn't think it would be that expensive, maybe a $100.00 to $150.00."

He added his insurance doesn't cover any of this, but he did want to tell the federal agent and the detectives, “I was really impressed, I didn't plan on ever seeing it again. So yes; a big thank you.”

PCSD urges everyone to write down their vehicle identification number and also any identifying characteristics to the vehicle. You should also keep them in a safe place, so if your vehicle is stolen, you'll have the information at hand.